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South Valley Riverton Journal

Police Honor Students

Jun 14, 2016 10:21AM ● By Tori La Rue

Trevor VanRoosendall, of Riverton High School, holds his “Student of the Year” plaque, surrounded by his family, principal, mayor, president of the local Footprinters chapter and the officer who nominated him for the award. –Tori La Rue

By Tori La Rue | [email protected]


Two South Valley Students were honored by local police officers at an annual awards banquet put on by the Footprinters association at the Old Dome Meeting Hall on April 26. 

Each Unified Police Department school resource officer named one student from their school as “Student of the Year” based on their participation in law enforcement class, community service and academic standing. The Footprinters, association that promotes fellowship among braches of law enforcement, sponsored plaques for the winners. Shane French, from Herriman High School, and Trevor VanRoosendall, from Riverton High School, were among the students honored.

“This honestly means a lot to me,” Trevor, 18, said. “I’ve learned so much about law enforcement this year. In the future and when I apply for a job, whether that is in law enforcement or not, I’ll know that I can succeed when I try hard.” 

Officer Mike Russell, SRO for Riverton, said he chose Trevor because of his example to other students and his desire to fly a helicopter for police agencies in the future. Officer Scott Lauritzen selected Shane and said he was an example of perseverance. 

“Shane is one of the few four-year state placers at wrestling,” Lauritzen said. “I’ve had the opportunity to go down and wrestle with Shane and some of the other wrestlers, and, unfortunately, it makes me feel old and weak.” This year he had some injuries, but that did not stop him. He still placed at state finals—second in the state championship. He’s just an amazing young man.” 

In addition to taking Herriman’s law enforcement class, Shane participated in Sandy’s Youth Cadet Program, where students under the age of 20 have the opportunity to learn the facets of a police officer. 

“I’m thinking about going into law enforcement,” Shane said. “It’s a really awesome career, and I feel that people underappreciate what the law enforcement does, and I want to change that.” 

In the fall, Shane plans to attend Western Wyoming Community College, where he has a full-ride scholarship to study business and criminal justice. Lauritzen said he hopes Shane will join law enforcement someday. 

“I’m grateful for Shane,” Lauritzen said. “He’s been a good friend of mine. We need officers like Shane, who, if they set their mind to do things, will end up accomplishing their goals.”

Mark VanRoosendall, retired deputy chief of West Valley police, said it was an honor to see his son Trevor honored for something that’s been so connected with their family. 

“I’m second-generation law enforcement, and it’s so rewarding to see him receive this award because it solidifies his upbringing,” Mark said. “His father and grandfather are proud of him, and if he were to choose a career in law enforcement, I would support him 100 percent.” 

Trevor’s brother Jacob VanRoosendall also attended the banquet to support his brother. Jacob won the “Student of the Year” award from a different School Resource Officer in 2013. Trevor said it was wonderful to receive recognition for honoring law enforcement, since it’s something that his family is tied to. 

In addition to the student awards, the Footprinters honored officer Ben Hone of Salt Lake City Police Department as “Officer of The Year for his “heroic” actions. Rosie Rivera, chief of Police for Riverton and president of the local Footprinters chapter, read an account of Hone’s role in saving two young women’s lives on Sept. 23. 

Upon hearing Kayli Lasley’s screams, Hone entered their duplex and found an intruder stabbing Kayli’s sister, Bre, saying he was going to kill her. Hone shot and killed the intruder, saving the two sisters, the account stated. 

It was an honor to recognize Hone, a current valiant officer, and the up and coming students who may, like Hone, become “guardians” of the community someday, Shane Hudson, deputy chief of Unified Police, said.